some questions

neil2168 · 12/10/2009, 10:28 AM

Hi guys, just a couple of questions, 1st, i can not find these, i got told they are regal damsels, but i dont think they are,

;

2nd, am i supposed to get this brown stuff?

.

thanks guys.

mdntrdr · 12/10/2009, 10:29 AM

Those are Diatoms.

How long has your tank been set up?

neil2168 · 12/10/2009, 10:33 AM

Hi rider its been running roughly 3/4 weeks

spleify · 12/10/2009, 10:35 AM

I have seen those advertised and sold as bi-color damsels, I don't know if that is the "official" name, but that is what I have seen them as.

And yes those are diatoms, your tank is likely a new setup and is going through its natural nitrogen cycle. Give it time monitor your parameters and it will pass.

HTH

Good luck

Lightsluvr · 12/10/2009, 10:35 AM

Looks like a gold belly damsel:
http://www.seadb.univpm.it/en_Gold-b...entris_820.htm

The brown stuff on the sand is diatoms, very normal for a new tank. A sand sifter will help keep that stirred under...

Good luck with your tank.

LL

mdntrdr · 12/10/2009, 10:37 AM

Yea, It is part of cycling.

It should clear on it's own.

neil2168 · 12/10/2009, 10:38 AM

thanks guys, thats what i like about this forum, ask any question and you guys are there, bam! its answered, thanks

wrudge · 12/10/2009, 10:39 AM

Normal part of cycling. Good luck with the new tank.

Sugar Magnolia · 12/10/2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightsluvr

Looks like a gold belly damsel:
http://www.seadb.univpm.it/en_Gold-b...entris_820.htm

Hmmm, they could also be caerulean damsels. http://www.livingreefs.com/caerulean...sh-t17663.html

FranktheTankTx · 12/10/2009, 10:46 AM

One more note, a few hermits & something like nassarious snails, sand sifting cucumber, &/or a sand sifting goby would take care of those diatoms in a few hours.

A couple more notes, keep moving slowly. You likely have the diatoms because you've been running your lights thru your cycle. Nutrient levels are up, and lights are feeding the algae bloom. It's time to get a clean up crew. Throw some turbo's or astrea snails in there also. I like the Nerites too!

Good luck!

MuddyEiger · 12/10/2009, 10:51 AM

Interesting on the diatoms. Will they come back from time to time? I've had my tank set up for about 8 months now and occasionally, about once a month, I get diatoms. Normal?

FranktheTankTx · 12/10/2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuddyEiger

Interesting on the diatoms. Will they come back from time to time? I've had my tank set up for about 8 months now and occasionally, about once a month, I get diatoms. Normal?

In MOST cases, noticeable algae growth is due to (but not limited to):

1) excess nutrient of some kind (think phosphate or some other TDS)
2) Clean up crew lacking
3) Light spectrum (could be old lights too)

In MOST cases, if you're using RO/DI water, have a good skimmer, have good husbandry habits, have a proper sized clean up crew, and your lights are fresh & a good spectrum - you'll reduce MOST chances of having an algae/diatom problem.

MuddyEiger · 12/10/2009, 11:55 AM

Well, lights are about a month old. Have about 10-12 snails, 6-8 crabs, and all the tests come back well within limits. The fuge is also booming (built in skimmer). Could it be that some of the base rock that's "covered" is finally cycling?

(sorry to hijack your thread)

neil2168 · 12/10/2009, 12:15 PM

No worries dude we are all here to learn

FranktheTankTx · 12/10/2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuddyEiger

Well, lights are about a month old. Have about 10-12 snails, 6-8 crabs, and all the tests come back well within limits. The fuge is also booming (built in skimmer). Could it be that some of the base rock that's "covered" is finally cycling?

(sorry to hijack your thread)

I'm sorry, I guess I don't know much about your tank. What size is it? Give some information about it.

I forgot another important note about algae growth. Maintain good flow. Flow is important!!

MuddyEiger · 12/10/2009, 01:23 PM

My bad:

55 Gallon, 7 Gallon Fuge with built in Skimmer, Fluval 305 for mechanical filtration
4 x 54W T5's for lighting (2 actinic, 2 day)
For flow, I have one 250GHP power head and the fluval pointing against each other at opposite ends of the tank. Not much for flow, but most of the corals I have don't require / want high flow.

I don't think anything is wrong, this topic just caught my attention with the diatoms...

Oh yeah, here's some other stuff bout the tank....
Calcium: 400 - 440, Mag: 1000, Nitrates: 0 - 0.05, Ph: 8.4, Alk: Don't have a solid number as I need a new test kit but shows up in the low end of the normal range, Salt: 1.020, Temp: 78, 10% water changes every week religiously

FranktheTankTx · 12/10/2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuddyEiger

My bad:

55 Gallon, 7 Gallon Fuge with built in Skimmer, Fluval 305 for mechanical filtration
4 x 54W T5's for lighting (2 actinic, 2 day)
For flow, I have one 250GHP power head and the fluval pointing against each other at opposite ends of the tank. Not much for flow, but most of the corals I have don't require / want high flow.

I don't think anything is wrong, this topic just caught my attention with the diatoms...

Oh yeah, here's some other stuff bout the tank....
Calcium: 400 - 440, Mag: 1000, Nitrates: 0 - 0.05, Ph: 8.4, Alk: Don't have a solid number as I need a new test kit but shows up in the low end of the normal range, Salt: 1.020, Temp: 78, 10% water changes every week religiously

Let's see... a couple quick thoughts:

1) Salinity looks low. I'd gradually shoot for 1.024
2) I'm not a fan of the canister filter & not many experts are on here. Have I used one before? Yes. Will I again? No.
3) More flow!! I'd shoot for 1,600-2,000 gph flow in your 55g. To put this into context, 2,500gph wouldn't be too much either. More flow!!
4) Sounds like this is a HOB Fuge with skimmer??? I'm ok with that.

bertoni · 12/10/2009, 07:36 PM

I'd shoot for SG at about 1.0264, which is the canonical average seawater. As long as you're running the Fluval, adding some carbon to it might be helpful.

MuddyEiger · 12/14/2009, 11:30 AM

Yea, the only thing I use the Fluval for filtering some of the big particles out of the water. All I have in it is carbon...

I'll try more flow then...bumped the SG up to about 1.022 on this last change. I'll increase again on my next change.

HOB fuge?

tspors · 12/14/2009, 12:12 PM

Curious. Too answer the second question. Yes it is normal because your tank is still in a cycle. Question is 3-4 weeks, why do you have fish in the tank?

SecGenGSX · 12/14/2009, 02:12 PM

I think the damsels might be Azure Damsels (Chrysiptera hemicyanea)... here is a link that I seen them on http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...108&pcatid=108

12/10/2009, 10:28 AM	#1
neil2168 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: bradford, england Posts: 15	some questions Hi guys, just a couple of questions, 1st, i can not find these, i got told they are regal damsels, but i dont think they are, ; 2nd, am i supposed to get this brown stuff? . thanks guys.

12/10/2009, 10:29 AM	#2
mdntrdr Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 550	Those are Diatoms. How long has your tank been set up? __________________ Midnight Rider Current Tank Info: 220G. AGA ~ RR ~ SSB mixed reef ~ 40G. DSB sump/fuge ~ GFO and GAC reactors ~ 72" Aqualight Pro ~ MRC-MR2 Skimmer ~ THAT'S HOW I RIDE!!!!

12/10/2009, 10:35 AM	#4
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	I have seen those advertised and sold as bi-color damsels, I don't know if that is the "official" name, but that is what I have seen them as. And yes those are diatoms, your tank is likely a new setup and is going through its natural nitrogen cycle. Give it time monitor your parameters and it will pass. HTH Good luck __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

12/10/2009, 10:35 AM	#5
Lightsluvr Tangaroa to 500 gallons Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,855	Looks like a gold belly damsel: http://www.seadb.univpm.it/en_Gold-b...entris_820.htm The brown stuff on the sand is diatoms, very normal for a new tank. A sand sifter will help keep that stirred under... Good luck with your tank. LL __________________ Click on my username and select "Lightsluvr's Home Page" for a recap of our build thread - AGE Hybrid Tank in a 500G system with dedicated fish room. (Takes a few minutes for photos to load) Leave a note if you stop by... Current Tank Info: 350G AGE Hybrid reef tank. 500G+ total water volume. Three sumps for filtration. Barracuda Gold return and Hammerhead Gold closed loop pumps. DIY T5 light system on rails. MP40W x3 to supplement closed loop. 130G Water management system.

12/10/2009, 10:37 AM	#6
mdntrdr Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 550	Yea, It is part of cycling. It should clear on it's own. __________________ Midnight Rider Current Tank Info: 220G. AGA ~ RR ~ SSB mixed reef ~ 40G. DSB sump/fuge ~ GFO and GAC reactors ~ 72" Aqualight Pro ~ MRC-MR2 Skimmer ~ THAT'S HOW I RIDE!!!!

12/10/2009, 10:33 AM	#3
neil2168 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: bradford, england Posts: 15	Hi rider its been running roughly 3/4 weeks

12/10/2009, 10:38 AM	#7
neil2168 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: bradford, england Posts: 15	thanks guys, thats what i like about this forum, ask any question and you guys are there, bam! its answered, thanks

12/10/2009, 10:39 AM	#8
wrudge Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Farmingville, NY Posts: 80	Normal part of cycling. Good luck with the new tank.

12/10/2009, 10:46 AM	#10
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	One more note, a few hermits & something like nassarious snails, sand sifting cucumber, &/or a sand sifting goby would take care of those diatoms in a few hours. A couple more notes, keep moving slowly. You likely have the diatoms because you've been running your lights thru your cycle. Nutrient levels are up, and lights are feeding the algae bloom. It's time to get a clean up crew. Throw some turbo's or astrea snails in there also. I like the Nerites too! Good luck! __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

12/10/2009, 10:51 AM	#11
MuddyEiger Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mass Posts: 12	Interesting on the diatoms. Will they come back from time to time? I've had my tank set up for about 8 months now and occasionally, about once a month, I get diatoms. Normal?

12/10/2009, 11:55 AM	#13
MuddyEiger Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mass Posts: 12	Well, lights are about a month old. Have about 10-12 snails, 6-8 crabs, and all the tests come back well within limits. The fuge is also booming (built in skimmer). Could it be that some of the base rock that's "covered" is finally cycling? (sorry to hijack your thread)

12/10/2009, 12:15 PM	#14
neil2168 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: bradford, england Posts: 15	No worries dude we are all here to learn

12/10/2009, 01:23 PM	#16
MuddyEiger Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mass Posts: 12	My bad: 55 Gallon, 7 Gallon Fuge with built in Skimmer, Fluval 305 for mechanical filtration 4 x 54W T5's for lighting (2 actinic, 2 day) For flow, I have one 250GHP power head and the fluval pointing against each other at opposite ends of the tank. Not much for flow, but most of the corals I have don't require / want high flow. I don't think anything is wrong, this topic just caught my attention with the diatoms... Oh yeah, here's some other stuff bout the tank.... Calcium: 400 - 440, Mag: 1000, Nitrates: 0 - 0.05, Ph: 8.4, Alk: Don't have a solid number as I need a new test kit but shows up in the low end of the normal range, Salt: 1.020, Temp: 78, 10% water changes every week religiously Last edited by MuddyEiger; 12/10/2009 at 01:28 PM.

12/10/2009, 07:36 PM	#18
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I'd shoot for SG at about 1.0264, which is the canonical average seawater. As long as you're running the Fluval, adding some carbon to it might be helpful. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

12/14/2009, 11:30 AM	#19
MuddyEiger Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mass Posts: 12	Yea, the only thing I use the Fluval for filtering some of the big particles out of the water. All I have in it is carbon... I'll try more flow then...bumped the SG up to about 1.022 on this last change. I'll increase again on my next change. HOB fuge? __________________ 55G Reef with 7G Fuge (Built in Skimmer), Fluval 305 for Mech Filtration Fish: Lion, Mandarin, Coral Beauty, Clown Tang Cleanup: Snails, Crabs, Brittles, oh my Corals: SPS, LPS, Softies, Zoas, yep...little of this and that!

12/14/2009, 12:12 PM	#20
tspors Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Appleton, WI. USA Posts: 774	Curious. Too answer the second question. Yes it is normal because your tank is still in a cycle. Question is 3-4 weeks, why do you have fish in the tank? __________________ Everything is Good with Moderation. Current Tank Info: 150 Gal Oceanic, 30g Sump, Gen-X PCX-150 2250 gph, Red Sea Clasic Turbo Skimmer, 18w Turbo Twist UV, Ocean Clear Filter w/live rock, Several Buckets,

12/14/2009, 02:12 PM	#21
SecGenGSX Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Murrysville, PA Posts: 156	I think the damsels might be Azure Damsels (Chrysiptera hemicyanea)... here is a link that I seen them on http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...108&pcatid=108